When Babies Are Cutting a New Tooth:
Tips for Parents on Soothing Infants Through the Discomfort of
Teething

Nothing makes parents feel more helpless than seeing their
child in pain and being unable to help. You can prepare for
your baby's first tooth by reading advice columns, talking
to your pediatrician and getting tips from other parents.
Cutting teeth is a normal process, but it can be
uncomfortable and some babies will feel it more than others.
If your infant is one who experiences problems with
teething, you have a number of options for helping him feel
better. Topical ointments, pain medicine, massage, herbal
remedies and cold, wet washrags can all help ease your child
through teething with minimal discomfort.

Teething can be especially tough on parents because the pain seems to worsen at
night. It's probably because there isn't as much stimulation at bedtime, when
things tend to get quiet, so the baby notices sore gums more right when you're
hoping he'll get to sleep. A painful mouth can interfere with all the body
systems, causing babies to refuse food, bite when nursing and gum everything
within reach while emitting enough drool to fill a swimming pool. A first tooth
is cause for celebration, but bruised and bleeding gums can cause problems
eating which can upset the stomach, which can effect digestion, which can cause
diaper rash and so on. The bigger your storehouse of potential pain remedies,
the more likely you and your baby will be sleeping at night.?

Tip#1: Cold or Anything From the Freezer May Help
One of the most popular ways of helping infants deal with mouth soreness from
teething is to let them chew on cold things. A wet washcloth is ideal because
babies like the rough texture and the cold water eases swelling in the gums.
Best of all, you can mop up some of the drool before it makes its way all over
your shoulder! Other cool items include refrigerated teething rings (check them
to make sure your child doesn't bite holes in them), popsicles (preferably made
of juice or low-sugar liquids like frozen herb teas) or chilled vegetables that
can be gummed without falling apart and causing choking (whole carrots or
parsnips are good for this). Recently, one parent described how he gave his
teething daughter the round, marrow filled bones from cooked ribeye steaks. He
would cook the steaks, chill the bone overnight, then put her in her bib and let
her gnaw on the bone. "Hey, who wants to let their kids eat plastic when you can
give them beef?" he said. "She loved it!"

Tip #2: Numbing Gums: Natural or Drugstore Finds
You can buy numbing gels at the drugstore, and some parents swear by things like
Orajel. But you have to be careful to use only a tiny amount, and some babies
don't like the feeling of having numb places in their mouths. Rubbing a little
clove oil, diluted with a carrier oil, into the gums can also help numb them a
little. Frozen things can also help numb the area, and massage can assuage pain
by applying downward pressure to counteract the pressure of the uprising tooth.

Tip #3: Help Infants Calm Down and De-Stress
Sometimes, the stress of teething is worse than the actual physical pain at any
one moment. Try soothing your baby with soft music, talking or massage. You can
give infants cool, weak chamomile tea, which may help them to sleep while
cooling the mouth. Have some yourself, for a little break.

Tip #4: Fighting the Pain and Discomfort of Teething
When your baby is in pain, you may find yourself weighing the decisions you have
to make. Do I let her wail, or is it okay to give her medicine? Some parents
give their children baby doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain,
especially at night if the baby has trouble sleeping. Consult with your doctor
about dosages.

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